GRADE 10 • PREPARE FOR INDEPENDENCE
Civilization, Biology & Making
Grade 10 asks how humans built complex societies and how living systems work, combining world civilization, biology, advanced communication, mathematics, and substantial practical making.
What students explore
- Agriculture, cities, writing, law, religion, trade, empires, navigation, mathematics, science, warfare, industrialization, and technological change
- Cells, genetics, evolution, anatomy, physiology, ecology, disease, reproduction, and biological systems
- Geometry, Algebra II, or an applied mathematics pathway
- Woodworking, electrical systems, automotive, welding, machining, robotics, programming, construction, culinary arts, or agricultural technology
Example experiences
- Compare two explanations for a major historical transformation.
- Complete a biology investigation and present findings.
- Write a research paper integrating multiple sources.
- Build a substantial technical or physical project and document the design process.
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
- 10.1.3.1 Develop a sustained written argument based on verifiable evidence.
- 10.1.3.2 Produce technical, professional, and research writing.
- 10.3.3.1 Explain major biological systems and their interactions.
- 10.3.3.2 Explain the role of genetics, evolution, and environment in biological change.
- 10.5.1.1 Explain major historical changes using chronology, causation, and evidence.
- 10.5.1.2 Compare competing explanations for significant historical developments.
- 10.7.3.1 Complete a substantial project from specification through construction, testing, and revision.
Policy relationship: MLP-POL-02 and MLP-POL-03.
Mastery check
Students should explain major biological and civilizational systems, compare historical explanations, write sustained evidence-based arguments, apply advanced mathematics appropriately, and complete a substantial build or technical project through revision.
The Minnesota Learning Project 